Jordan seeks to lure Gulf investors via $4b projects

Jordan is seeking to lure Gulf investors through offerings worth $4 billion in projects in this year's Gulf in Jordan business forum and exhibition.

The event, which will take place at the Dead Sea from April 8-10, aims to provide a platform for GCC investors to meet and negotiate with their Jordanian counterparts as well as government organisations responsible for foreign investors, the organisers of the forum said yesterday.

"The event proved very successful in the previous two rounds, and last year there was $2.5 billion worth of investments offered, a number that will surely increase in 2008," said Riyadh Sharaf, chairman of the steering committee.

"Meeting officials provides the Gulf investors with the element of transparency, as they can address all the issues related to any difficulties facing the flow of foreign investments to the country," he added.

The event is sponsored by King Abdullah II and supported by several government organisations including the Jordan Investment Board, the Jordanian Industrial Cities Foundation and the Aqaba Private economic zone.

"Along with the conference, the exhibition for Gulf and Jordanian investors will be organised to display the promising new opportunities in Jordan as well as the investment opportunities in the Gulf, as many Jordanian investors are interested in investing there as well," Sharaf said.

The forum aims also to provide strategic options, management changes, and business development services in the Gulf region, the organisers said in a statement.

"It represents an ideal platform to exchange ideas and experiences about best practices to initiate and promote a wide range of investment fields," Sharaf said. ( Gulf )